A little advise please

[JRutledge]

I do not like the advice from M&M about talking to the official outside of the court because that will not go over well very often. Even if you are trying to help, there are people that will be very offended by what you tell them. I have found those that really want to get better will either ask about plays and situations on their own in these types of settings. You are not going to change the spots on a leopard anytime soon. So I would think just deal with it when you know who you are working with. Remember not everyone comes to officiating with the passion to get better that many here might have. Just like any profession there are always going to be bottom feeders and that is no different in officiating.

Peace

[M&M Guy]

Originally Posted by JRutledge

I do not like the advice from M&M about talking to the official outside of the court because that will not go over well very often. Even if you are trying to help, there are people that will be very offended by what you tell them. I have found those that really want to get better will either ask about plays and situations on their own in these types of settings. You are not going to change the spots on a leopard anytime soon. So I would think just deal with it when you know who you are working with. Remember not everyone comes to officiating with the passion to get better that many here might have. Just like any profession there are always going to be bottom feeders and that is no different in officiating.

Peace

I did use one important word in my whole premise - "maybe". Maybe no one has told him he's terrible, other than fans and coaches (and who really listens to them anyway, right?). Maybe he doesn't know the right way and wrong way to do things, because, let's face it, most "good" officials avoid those types of games, and his only mentor is Old School.

You are right in saying there are a number of people that really don't care, and they are in it just for the check. But how will you know that for sure until you say something? I guess that's my point - don't automatically assume the guy doesn't care. He may actually be a sponge for information. The problem might be he is soaking up all the other rec-league officials' bad habits.

So, just talk to him. If you get the impression he's not interested in your help, move on. You never know until you try.

[JRutledge]

I have found that the people that do not give a damn about getting better tell on themselves very quickly. When you talk to a guy and they have been around for 10 years and they do not work any HS ball that tells me all I need to know. Of course you can talk to them and I am not suggesting that you never talk to your partner. But I am saying I would be very careful to offer advice to people who just in their resume that they tell you make it clear they could give a damn. If the guy truly is a weekend warrior (does not work HS or any organized ball), then your little conversation is not going to change their mind overnight. You are still going to have to deal with how bad this person is and you will not make the one day experience much better.

Peace

[Adam]

If it's that bad, then you need to evaluate why you're there. If you know why you're there, you'll be able to figure out if you want to go back.
If you are going to work the games in the future, do your thing, call your area (to stay out of the habit of making long distance calls), work on your goals, go home, and kick the cat.

Snaqwells: If it's that bad, then you need to evaluate why you're there.

All of those incidents didn't take place on the same day, just a few examples of "bad partners" I have had since the season ended.

Thanks for the advice! I see you're a CO guy... Board 4 member?
Snowing out that way too

[Adam]

We had our snow this morning; maybe an inch, but nothing stuck. My boss is out playing golf right now. For all its faults, this western slope sure knows how to do winter; nice and easy. A lot easier than Iowa, and even Denver.

Hey, think of it this way: you've got off-season basketball to officiate. That's not really the case out here.

Yeah, you're right at least I don't have to resort to doing baseball games. That's a good way to look at it the next time I get stuck with a weekend warrior.

[jsblanton]

When I work with a new partner I always tell them if they see something I need to work on, they should feel free to tell me. This may start some dialoge between the two of you. I am fairly new to basketball officiating and I always welcome any advice. I may not always use it but I always listen. I feel like we owe it to each other to help each other out on anything we can. Some of us need more help than others.